Location: Newport, Rhode Island

Date/Time:
July 11, 2026

The Theatre: The Newport Opera House opened in 1867 and has been part of downtown Newport for more than 150 years. Over the decades, it hosted live performances, vaudeville, movies, lectures, and community events before closing in the 1970s. The building is now undergoing a long restoration, with much of the historic auditorium still visible beneath scaffolding, exposed framing, and ongoing construction work. This workshop is a chance to photograph the theater while it is in transition, as a historic space being brought back room by room.

The Workshop: I will be on hand throughout the workshop to answer questions and help as needed. These buildings can be difficult to photograph, especially when they are mid restoration, so I am happy to talk through composition, exposure, lighting, lens choices, and anything else that comes up. I want you to leave with photographs you are proud of, so please ask questions. I have been photographing abandoned theaters for almost 10 years, and abandoned buildings for almost 20, and I have picked up a few useful tricks along the way. I will have some lights set up, but please bring your own lighting gear if you have it.

Safety: Safety is the first priority. The Newport Opera House is an active restoration site, and there will be areas of the building that are off limits. We will go over all restricted areas at the start of the workshop. You will be required to sign a waiver before entering the building, acknowledging that you are entering a potentially unsafe environment and that you will not hold the building owners or myself liable for injury, damage, or loss involving you or your equipment. The theater has mold, dust, and peeling paint, so I recommend bringing a respirator or dust mask. If you have mold or dust allergies, please take that into consideration before signing up.

What to bring:

- respirator/dust mask

- flashlights/flash

- boots

- a tripod

- a cell phone

A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provide when signing up for the workshop. I’ll be sending a follow up email with more details a week before the workshop.

Workshop Terms and Conditions: You will need to sign a waiver to participate in this event. By signing up for this workshop you agree not to use information obtained before or during the workshop to illegally trespass or set up alternate workshops/events. Because of the extremely limited tour spots there are NO REFUNDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES if you have signed up for the tour, except in case of workshop cancellation by After the Final Curtain. You’re welcome to transfer your spot in the workshop to someone else, but you need to send me an email letting me know that’s happening. If the workshop is canceled due to inclement weather or issues at the theater, a refund will be offered if you are unable to make the rescheduled workshop date. I cannot be held liable for travel, rental, or other costs incurred by attendee in the event of workshop cancellation. All sales are final.